Materials → PTFE
Material profile · 02/06
PTFE
The low-friction, near-universal chemical resistance material for extreme conditions.
- -70°C to 200°C
- Temp. range
- 55-65 Shore D
- Hardness
- Very low
- Friction
- Outstanding
- Chemical resistance
Overview
Where PTFE earns its place.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is specified when friction, chemical attack, or temperature extremes rule out elastomers. Filled variants — bronze, glass, or carbon — are engineered into rod seals, piston seals, wear rings, and rotary seals where dry start-up, high rod speed, or aggressive media are the deciding factors. Because PTFE itself has no elastic memory, it is typically paired with an elastomer or spring energiser that provides the initial sealing load while the PTFE lip does the low-friction sliding work.
Used in
Best-fit industries
Trade-offs
Advantages and limitations.
Advantages
- Lowest friction coefficient of any common seal material — suits high-speed and dry-running duty.
- Chemical resistance broad enough to cover nearly all industrial fluids and cleaning agents.
- Stable across an unusually wide temperature band without hardening or softening.
- Does not support bacterial growth — favoured for food and pharma contact surfaces.
Limitations
- Cold flow (creep) under sustained static load without a supporting energiser.
- Requires an elastomer or spring-loaded backing to generate initial sealing force.
- Higher material and machining cost than standard elastomer profiles.
Operating envelope
Typical technical reference.
Figures are typical for the compound family and vary by specific grade and cure. Confirm exact limits against your fluid, pressure, and duty cycle before finalising a specification.
| Operating temperature | -70°C to 200°C (short excursions higher) |
| Typical hardness | 55-65 Shore D |
| Friction coefficient | Very low |
| Fluid compatibility | Near-universal, including aggressive chemicals |
| Duty type | Dynamic, high-speed, and static — energised profiles |
Compare
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Engineering support
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